Two years after Andrew, Tanner and Alexander Skelton disappeared, their mother remains hopeful they will be returned safe to her.

Tanya Zuvers reflected Monday on the day-by-day endurance she experiences and on the recent release of age-progression photos showing how the boys may look today.

The brothers, then 5, 7 and 9, disappeared Nov. 25, 2010, while in the custody of their father and her estranged husband, John Skelton. He pleaded no contest in September 2011 to three counts of unlawful imprisonment and is now serving out his sentences at the Alger Correctional Facility in Munising. Unless new evidence comes to light that could bring new charges, he is eligible to be released between 2020 and 2025.

Zuvers said that last year, she had hoped the boys would be located by now.

“I can’t believe I am doing this another year,” Zuvers said. “I said a year ago, ‘Hopefully we won’t have to do this in another year.’ ”

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently rendered photos of the boys as they may look today at the request of Zuvers.

“I wanted that done,” she said.

The photos were released Nov. 15, about a week before Zuvers said she expected they would be.

“It was overwhelming, very emotional, to see those pictures, but each time I look at them, it gets better,” Zuvers said.

At first, she said it didn’t look like them.

“I had to step back and see them and look at what they looked like two years ago to what they look like now, then it becomes easier to look at,” she said.

Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said to date, more than 1,300 tips have been received. A reward of up to $60,000 for information leading to the location of the boys remains available, Weeks said.

Weeks said John Skelton’s story that he gave his sons to an underground organization remains inconsistent with the evidence, evidence that leads him to believe the boys are no longer alive.

“His choice to hide behind this outlandish story is selfish and cowardly,” Weeks said. “If he cared about his sons at all, he would disclose the truth and bring resolution to this case.”

Zuvers said she respects Weeks’ expertise in the investigation, but she holds out hope that somehow, somewhere, Tanner, Andrew and Alexander are safe.

“Until they can show me solid evidence that supports that they’re dead, I can’t believe it,” she said. “When he as a parent puts himself in my shoes, he understands where I am coming from.”

An observance ceremony is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Wakefield Park along West Main Street in Morenci. A plaque honoring the boys will be unveiled following an opening prayer. Light refreshments will also be served.

Page 2 of 2 - Anyone with information about the boys can call the Morenci Police Department at 458-7104 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.